This unit was designed to provide students with an understanding of the theory of evolution and its applications. This topic was chosen because it teaches students about scientific theory and evidence needed for the foundations of a theory. It also gives the students a possible explanation of why all life on the planet exists the way it does. Some may think this topic can be controversial, but when taught properly it opens student's minds to explanations of why there is so much biodiversity on this planet. It also describes examples of successful scientific inquiry and major contributions to science.
The lessons for this unit will be planned to fit a 66 minute class period. The lessons will cover the history of evolution theory, starting with its father, Charles Darwin. The lessons will progress from Darwin's discoveries on the Galapagos islands to the implications of his findings and what they mean in life today. Even though Charles Darwin is the most prominent and published scientist in evolutionary thought, students will also have the opportunity to see some of the other scientific contributions to evolution and the preliminary ideas that were accepted before the theory of evolution was proposed. Ideas from Jean- Baptiste Lamark and Darwin's colleague, Wallace, will be introduced and compared with one another so students can have a balanced perspective based in the pioneers of evolution. In demonstrating some of these ideas, students will do an inquiry activity supporting Darwin' idea of adaptive radiation. Based on student feedback on "One, two, punches" and other formative assessments, the culminating activity for this unit will have students express their knowledge of evolution by creation of their own "island" where species have adapted and evolved over time and a Unit Exam.
This unit will give students an explanation of how the world has come to be, what it is and why there are different life forms with unique characteristics. The unit will also cover national and state standards in life science and the history of science.
The lessons for this unit will be planned to fit a 66 minute class period. The lessons will cover the history of evolution theory, starting with its father, Charles Darwin. The lessons will progress from Darwin's discoveries on the Galapagos islands to the implications of his findings and what they mean in life today. Even though Charles Darwin is the most prominent and published scientist in evolutionary thought, students will also have the opportunity to see some of the other scientific contributions to evolution and the preliminary ideas that were accepted before the theory of evolution was proposed. Ideas from Jean- Baptiste Lamark and Darwin's colleague, Wallace, will be introduced and compared with one another so students can have a balanced perspective based in the pioneers of evolution. In demonstrating some of these ideas, students will do an inquiry activity supporting Darwin' idea of adaptive radiation. Based on student feedback on "One, two, punches" and other formative assessments, the culminating activity for this unit will have students express their knowledge of evolution by creation of their own "island" where species have adapted and evolved over time and a Unit Exam.
This unit will give students an explanation of how the world has come to be, what it is and why there are different life forms with unique characteristics. The unit will also cover national and state standards in life science and the history of science.
Evolution Home